Which beginner bike would you choose?

[NickofTime]

Hi All,

 

So I'm considering getting a beginner mountain bike with a max budget of around 4k

I have done some research and came up with 3 options:

 

1. Silverback Stride 10: Is this bike still available and relevant as a beginner bike in 2016-2017? I can't seem to find anywhere online stocking it, and most 2nd hand deals are medium frame (I'm XL) I'm guessing the price is 4-4.5k?

 

2. Titan Nova 26: I can't find any information on whether or not this is a good bike, it's definitely the best looking Retails for R4.5k

 

3. Raleigh Nomad 10 (second hand): My colleague has offered to let his 2011 Raleigh Nomad 10 go for R3k, is this a good deal? It is also a medium frame and I need a XL

 

Which would you rather take and why?

I am leaning toward the Titan Nova 26

 

I basically want a bike that I can take out cycling on the road (if I want to), however would also like something that is capable of entering a comp if I really wanted to? I'm looking for versatility

 

Can anyone advise on what sort of gear I would need to look at too?

 

Nick

 

 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Hey man, of those 3 - none. 

 

Firstly - don't downsize, please. It'll be really uncomfortable and you won't have the best experience. 

 

That rules out 1 & 3. 

 

option 2 - piece of poo, won't last a year in competition and you will be frustrated by having to set the gears very time you ride. I'd highly recommend having a look at the classifieds for a better quality 2nd hand bike in your price range. 

 

Good luck!

[NickofTime]

Hey man, of those 3 - none. 

 

Firstly - don't downsize, please. It'll be really uncomfortable and you won't have the best experience. 

 

That rules out 1 & 3. 

 

option 2 - piece of poo, won't last a year in competition and you will be frustrated by having to set the gears very time you ride. I'd highly recommend having a look at the classifieds for a better quality 2nd hand bike in your price range. 

 

Good luck!

Anything you can recommend to look out for?

[Surprize]

I would suggest you rather try and save up a little more before spending the money on a low specced bike.

 

I made the same mistake when I started - my budget only streched so far, and the bike looked really nice. But once I started riding I had endless issues with poor brakes, gears needing to be set all the time etc. In short, something that was suppose to be fun was just one big frustration. It put me off cycling for a couple of years before I decided to spend a lot more money to upgrade pretty much everything on the bike before I started to enjoy riding it.

 

In the end I had a descent specced bike that was really fun to ride, but I probably ended up spending 3 x more on upgrades than I paid for the bike itself.

 

Don't make the same mistake I did!!!

[Jonesy]

You'll be doing yourself a big favour if you save up just a couple grand more for your budget. .... and get a good second hand bike on the Hub. It will make a world of difference. Good luck.

[NelAndre]

If your budget is 4k then so be it. I agree with most comments, save a bit and buy 2nd hand.

[NelAndre]

I am not the seller but a quick search turned this up:

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/213410-2014-specialized-rockhopper-xl-for-sale/

[Allrounder]

if you dont want to go second hand, silverback all the way. 

[CycleMomSpeedster]

Silverback the name said it all ..Can always put slick tyers on for road race..

[slickjay007]

Your budget is really tight. As the others have mentioned, rather save up a bit more because you will also need riding gear (Helmut, Baggies, etc.).

[Bomberman]

https://www.olx.co.za/ad/titan-29r-mountain-bike-for-sale-ID15Y80I.html#831099ae79

 

This is not a bad bike to start with, ask him if you can do R5000.  if its still for sale

Edited October 7, 2016 by Bomberman

[NickofTime]

Hey guys,

 

Thanks a lot for the responses and advice. It seems like a general consensus is that I should up my budget, around 6k-8k range 2nd hand.

 

I do have access to more cash, I'm just not sure I can justify spending that much on starting something I may or may not really enjoy.

 

Can anyone recommend good spots where I can rent a bike and try it out? before I commit on buying my own. I stay in JHB Melville

Or any advice on how I can get a good feel for the sport before taking the plunge?

Any upcoming comps I can spectate?

 

Nick

[NelAndre]

Just spend the 8k and do it!

 

[NickofTime]

Just spend the 8k and do it!

 

Hahaha

[s14phoenix]

Does PWC bike park not do rentals??? Can't remember but worth a try I think. XL I am not sure they will have.

[slickjay007]

Try Red Barn. They have rental bikes